In a bid to bolster conservation efforts and ensure effective management of natural habitats, the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) program team has intensified its monitoring activities across Protected Area (PA) and Protected Landscape administrations in Georgia this year. These visits are designed to assess the specific needs of each area, improve communication with local staff and rangers, and promptly address any emerging challenges.
The CNF country director and program managers have already made significant strides, conducting visits to several key locations including Javakheti, Vashlovani, Borjomi, Algeti, Kazbegi, Lagodekhi and Batsara-Babaneuri. Additionally, they have extended their support to the newly established Truso and Aragvi Protected Landscapes. These landscapes, with their relatively new staff, are receiving critical support from CNF to ensure that they can meet their conservation goals effectively.
During these visits, the team carries out field visits to observe ongoing activities and any new developments within the parks. This hands-on approach allows CNF to identify and address issues on the ground in a timely manner. The comprehensive field visits provide an opportunity to see firsthand the progress being made and to work collaboratively with local teams to overcome any obstacles.
One of the key aspects of these visits is maintaining a close partnership with the Agency of Protected Areas. By fostering this collaboration, the CNF ensures that the needs and challenges of each PA and Protected Landscape are met with appropriate solutions. This joint effort is crucial for the sustainable management and long-term conservation of these critical natural areas.
In the newly established Truso and Aragvi Protected Landscapes, CNF’s support is particularly vital. The relatively new staff benefit greatly from the ongoing communication and guidance provided by the CNF team. This ensures that these new landscapes can develop and implement effective management practices right from the start.
CNF initiated its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) at the beginning of 2024. This system ensures that CNF-supported protected areas are thoroughly screened based on ESMS requirements. To maintain rigorous environmental and social standards, the CNF team conducts meetings on different protected areas in collaboration with independent experts. Recent examples of these efforts include visits to Vashlovani, Kazbegi, Pshav-Khevsureti, Javakheti, Tusheti and Borjomi-Kharagauli Protected Areas and Tusheti Protected Landscape.
CNF’s support for these protected areas is set to continue beyond 2024, with current agreements expiring and subject to renewal. The ESMS will identify any issues that need to be addressed, ensuring that these concerns are addressed in future grant agreements. This approach helps in ensuring that environmental and social standards established by national and international regulations are implemented, health and safety of employees and local communities are guaranteed and also engages with local communities to foster sustainable environmental practices.
Overall, CNF’s monitoring visits are an essential component of our conservation strategy, providing the necessary oversight and support to maintain the health and vitality of the Caucasus region’s protected areas and landscapes. Through these efforts, CNF continues to play a pivotal role in the preservation of the region’s unique biodiversity and natural heritage.
